CREW Bird Rookery

“ If you want to feel fully immersed in the wild, the CREW Bird Rookery Swamp Trail delivers. Birds are everywhere—herons, egrets, hawks—and it’s not unusual to come across an alligator lounging right in the middle of the path (sometimes even a whole family of baby gators). Keep your eyes open and you might spot otters snacking on fish, too.

The main stretch of the trail is where all the action is, and it’s easy enough to walk. Venture deeper, though, and things get quiet—almost desolate—so unless you’ve got a bike, you may not want to push too far. Cycling is possible, but be ready for sandy stretches that can sap your energy fast.

Oh, local lore says ghost orchids hide out here, but if they exist, they’re definitely off-trail and not for casual exploring. For a raw, unfiltered dose of Florida’s wilderness, this is the place. ”